Looking to refresh your kitchen with a stylish yet calming design? Japandi kitchens blend the best of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics for a balanced, minimalist look. This fusion style creates spaces that are both practical and beautiful.
You can bring Japandi style to your kitchen through natural materials, clean lines, and a soothing color palette. Wood, stone, and earthy tones are key elements. Simple cabinets, open shelving, and uncluttered counters help create a peaceful cooking area. By mixing warm and cool tones, you’ll craft a kitchen that feels welcoming and zen at the same time.
In this article, we'll cover
- 1. Minimalist Shoji Screens
- 2. Muji Wooden Tableware
- 3. Arita Porcelain Dishes
- 4. Wabi-Sabi Shelving Units
- 5. Hinoki Wood Countertops
- 6. Tokoname Teapot Set
- 7. Zen Bonsai Display
- 8. Neutral Tatami Mats
- 9. Moroccan Beni Ourain Rug
- 10. Tansu-Style Cabinets
- 11. Futon-Style Bench Seating
- 12. Kintsugi Handcrafted Bowls
- 13. Kami Lampshades
- 14. Seigaiha Patterned Backsplash
- 15. Noren Doorway Curtains
- 16. Tokkuri Sake Set
- 17. Natural Linen Dishtowels
- 18. Japanese Jute Runner
- 19. Cast Iron Tamagoyaki Pan
- 20. Mid-Century Wooden Bar Stools
- 21. Rattan Pendant Lighting
- 22. Kokedama Hanging Plants
- 23. Scandinavian Oak Chairs
- 24. Slide Panel Storage
- 25. Vintage Ceramic Pottery
1. Minimalist Shoji Screens
Shoji screens bring a touch of Japanese elegance to your Japandi kitchen. These sliding panels made of wood and translucent paper let in soft light while creating privacy.
You can use shoji screens as room dividers or cabinet doors. They add visual interest without cluttering the space.
Choose simple designs with clean lines to keep the minimalist look. Light wood frames complement the Japandi style perfectly.
2. Muji Wooden Tableware
Bring the essence of Japandi style to your kitchen with Muji wooden tableware. These simple, elegant pieces fit perfectly in a minimalist space. You’ll love the smooth feel and natural grain of the wood.
Muji offers plates, bowls, and utensils in warm, neutral tones. Mix and match them for a cohesive look. The clean lines and understated beauty of these items will enhance your dining experience.
Display your Muji pieces on open shelves or a sleek countertop. They’ll add a touch of warmth to your Japandi kitchen while keeping things neat and uncluttered.
3. Arita Porcelain Dishes
Arita porcelain dishes add a touch of elegance to your Japandi kitchen. These beautiful pieces blend Japanese craftsmanship with Scandinavian simplicity.
You can display them on open shelves or use them for everyday meals. The delicate patterns and soft colors of Arita porcelain fit perfectly with the calm Japandi aesthetic.
Choose simple designs in white or pale blue to keep your kitchen looking clean and serene. Mix and match different shapes for a modern twist on this traditional art form.
4. Wabi-Sabi Shelving Units
Embrace the beauty of imperfection in your Japandi kitchen with wabi-sabi shelving units. Look for handmade wooden shelves with natural knots and grain patterns.
You can display your favorite dishes and pottery on these open shelves. Choose items with slight irregularities or chips to add character.
Mix different textures and materials like wood, ceramic, and linen. This creates a cozy, lived-in feel that’s perfect for a Japandi-style kitchen.
5. Hinoki Wood Countertops
Hinoki wood countertops bring a touch of Japanese elegance to your Japandi kitchen. This light-colored cypress wood adds warmth and a subtle, calming scent to your space.
You’ll love the smooth, silky texture of hinoki under your fingers as you prep meals. Its natural antibacterial properties make it a hygienic choice for food preparation areas.
To keep your hinoki countertops looking their best, oil them regularly. This will help preserve the wood’s beautiful color and protect it from stains and moisture.
6. Tokoname Teapot Set
A Tokoname teapot set can add a touch of authentic Japanese charm to your Japandi kitchen. These handcrafted clay teapots come from Tokoname, a city famous for its pottery.
Place your Tokoname set on a wooden tray or bamboo mat for a stylish display. The earthy tones of the teapot will blend seamlessly with your kitchen’s natural palette.
Use your Tokoname set for brewing green tea or oolong. It’s not just pretty – the clay helps enhance the tea’s flavor. Your guests will love the taste and look of tea served from this beautiful set.
7. Zen Bonsai Display
Want to add a touch of serenity to your Japandi kitchen? Try a Zen bonsai display. These tiny trees bring nature indoors and create a calm focal point.
Place your bonsai on a floating shelf or kitchen island. Choose a simple pot in neutral colors like white, gray, or black. Make sure it gets enough light near a window.
A bonsai adds life to your space without taking up too much room. It’s a perfect blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements. Your kitchen will feel more peaceful and connected to nature.
8. Neutral Tatami Mats
Tatami mats can bring a touch of zen to your Japandi kitchen. These traditional Japanese floor coverings come in neutral shades that fit perfectly with the style.
You can use tatami mats to define a small dining area in your kitchen. They’re comfy underfoot and add texture to your space.
Choose mats in soft beige or light gray to keep with the Japandi color scheme. They’ll blend well with wood tones and white surfaces in your kitchen.
9. Moroccan Beni Ourain Rug
Want to add warmth and texture to your Japandi kitchen? Try a Moroccan Beni Ourain rug. These handmade wool rugs feature simple geometric patterns in ivory and black.
They bring a cozy, organic feel that complements Japandi’s minimalist style. Place one under your dining table or in front of your sink for a soft touch underfoot.
The rug’s natural fibers and subtle designs blend well with wood tones and neutral colors common in Japandi spaces. It’s an easy way to add visual interest without overwhelming your calm kitchen vibe.
10. Tansu-Style Cabinets
Bring some Japanese flair to your Japandi kitchen with tansu-style cabinets. These traditional storage pieces add character and functionality to your space.
Look for cabinets with small drawers and sliding doors. They often have a stepped design that’s both eye-catching and practical.
Choose cabinets made from warm wood tones like cedar or cypress. The natural grain adds texture and beauty to your kitchen.
Use tansu cabinets as statement pieces or incorporate their style into your main cabinetry. They work well as islands or pantry storage too.
11. Futon-Style Bench Seating
Add a cozy Japanese touch to your Japandi kitchen with futon-style bench seating. This low-profile option fits perfectly with the minimalist aesthetic. You can place it along a wall or in a corner nook.
Choose natural materials like wood for the frame and soft, neutral-colored cushions. This seating style creates a relaxed atmosphere for casual meals or coffee breaks.
It’s a great space-saver too. You can easily tuck it away when not in use, keeping your kitchen clutter-free and zen-like.
12. Kintsugi Handcrafted Bowls
Kintsugi bowls add a special touch to your Japandi kitchen. These Japanese ceramics are mended with gold, showing that broken things can become beautiful.
You can display these bowls on open shelves or use them for serving. Their gold seams catch the eye and tell a story of resilience.
Choose bowls with simple shapes and neutral colors to fit the Japandi style. The mix of imperfection and elegance in kintsugi perfectly captures the spirit of this design trend.
13. Kami Lampshades
Kami lampshades bring a soft, warm glow to your Japandi kitchen. These paper shades add a delicate touch to your space. You can hang them over your dining table or kitchen island for a cozy feel.
Choose simple, round shapes to match the minimalist style. Opt for neutral colors like white or cream to keep things calm. The soft light from kami shades creates a peaceful mood in your kitchen.
Try mixing different sizes for visual interest. Remember to keep the overall look clean and uncluttered.
14. Seigaiha Patterned Backsplash
A seigaiha patterned backsplash adds a touch of Japanese flair to your Japandi kitchen. This wave-like design brings a sense of calm and rhythm to your space.
You can find seigaiha tiles in soft, muted colors that fit perfectly with the Japandi style. Think gentle blues, grays, or even whites for a subtle look.
This pattern works well with both modern and traditional kitchen designs. It’s a great way to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
15. Noren Doorway Curtains
Noren curtains can add a nice Japanese touch to your Japandi kitchen. These fabric dividers hang in doorways or between rooms. You can find them with simple designs or traditional patterns.
Hang a noren curtain between your kitchen and dining area. It will create a soft divide while keeping the spaces connected. Choose neutral colors or nature-inspired prints to match the Japandi style.
Noren curtains are easy to change with the seasons. This lets you update your kitchen’s look quickly.
16. Tokkuri Sake Set
A tokkuri sake set adds a touch of Japanese elegance to your Japandi kitchen. This traditional serving set includes a small ceramic flask and matching cups. You can display it on open shelving or a minimalist sideboard.
Choose a set with simple lines and neutral colors to match your Japandi style. When not in use, the sake set becomes a beautiful decorative piece. It brings authenticity and cultural flair to your space.
17. Natural Linen Dishtowels
Natural linen dishtowels add a touch of Japandi charm to your kitchen. These simple yet elegant towels bring warmth and texture to the space.
Choose neutral colors like beige, gray, or white to match the calm Japandi vibe. Linen is durable and absorbent, making it perfect for everyday use.
Hang your linen towels on a wooden rack or hook for easy access. They look great draped over oven handles too. The natural fibers and subtle texture of linen fit perfectly with the Japandi style’s focus on organic materials.
18. Japanese Jute Runner
Add a touch of natural texture to your Japandi kitchen with a Japanese jute runner. This simple yet elegant floor covering brings warmth and coziness to your space.
Choose a runner in neutral tones like beige or light brown to complement your kitchen’s color scheme. The natural fibers of jute create a subtle pattern that adds visual interest without being too bold.
Place the runner in front of your sink or along a main walkway to define the area and protect your floors. It’s a practical and stylish addition to your Japandi-inspired kitchen.
19. Cast Iron Tamagoyaki Pan
A cast iron tamagoyaki pan adds a touch of Japanese tradition to your Japandi kitchen. This rectangular pan is perfect for making rolled omelets, a popular Japanese breakfast dish.
Choose a pan with clean lines and a matte finish to match the minimalist Japandi look. Black or dark gray options work best with the earthy tones often found in this style.
The pan’s durability and heat retention make it a practical choice for everyday cooking. You can display it on open shelving when not in use, adding to your kitchen’s functional decor.
20. Mid-Century Wooden Bar Stools
Add a touch of retro charm to your Japandi kitchen with mid-century wooden bar stools. These sleek seats blend perfectly with the minimalist aesthetic while adding warmth and character.
Look for stools with clean lines and tapered legs. Choose natural wood tones like walnut or teak to complement your kitchen’s palette.
For comfort, pick designs with slightly curved seats. This subtle detail adds both style and function to your space.
Place these stools at your kitchen island or breakfast bar. They’ll create a cozy spot for quick meals or casual chats while you cook.
21. Rattan Pendant Lighting
Rattan pendant lights are a perfect way to bring natural textures into your Japandi kitchen. These woven beauties add warmth and visual interest while keeping things simple.
You can hang a single large rattan pendant over your dining table or kitchen island for a striking focal point. Or try grouping several smaller rattan lights together for a more dynamic look.
The soft glow from rattan pendants creates a cozy ambiance in your kitchen. Their organic shapes and materials blend seamlessly with both Japanese and Scandinavian design elements.
22. Kokedama Hanging Plants
Kokedama plants add a touch of nature to your Japandi kitchen. These moss ball planters hang from the ceiling, bringing greenery without taking up counter space.
You can create your own kokedama with pothos, ferns, or other small plants. Wrap the roots in moss and soil, then tie it with string. Hang them at different heights for visual interest.
These floating gardens blend Japanese and Scandinavian styles perfectly. They’re low-maintenance and fit well with the minimalist Japandi aesthetic. Try placing a few over your kitchen island or in a corner to liven up the space.
Scandinavian oak chairs add warmth and style to your Japandi kitchen. These chairs blend perfectly with the clean lines and natural elements of this design style.
Look for chairs with simple shapes and light finishes. Oak’s pale color and visible grain fit well with Japandi’s focus on nature and simplicity.
Choose chairs with comfortable seats and backrests. This matches the Scandinavian emphasis on coziness and function.
Pair your oak chairs with a wooden table for a cohesive look. This combo creates a welcoming spot for meals and gatherings in your Japandi kitchen.
24. Slide Panel Storage
Slide panel storage is a smart way to add hidden storage to your Japandi kitchen. You can install sleek panels that glide open to reveal shelves, cabinets, or even a pantry. This keeps your kitchen looking clean and uncluttered.
Choose panels made of light wood or bamboo to match the Japandi style. You can paint them in soft, natural colors too. The smooth sliding motion adds a sense of calm to your kitchen space.
These panels work great for hiding appliances or messy areas when you’re not using them. It’s a perfect blend of Japanese efficiency and Scandinavian simplicity in your kitchen design.
25. Vintage Ceramic Pottery
Add a touch of wabi-sabi to your Japandi kitchen with vintage ceramic pottery. Look for pieces with simple shapes and earthy colors. These could be old teapots, bowls, or vases.
Display your finds on open shelves or a wooden tray. Mix different sizes and shapes for visual interest. The slightly worn look of vintage ceramics brings warmth and character to your space